ARTICLES ABOUT CAMBRIA COUNTY BY DATE - PAGE 3

A proposed U.S. Commerce Department foreign trade zone in Cambria County will generate economic opportunities and create jobs for Somerset County companies, Cambria County Commissioner Douglas R. Lengenfelder said. While creation of a foreign trade zone at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport is still at least a year and a half away, an Argentina wine maker - Tapiz Vineyards - has committed to having product bottled in Cambria by Somerset County-based Glades Pike Bottling, which would operate as E&M Bottling.

The Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau is looking to increase tourism to Cambria County. Bureau officials are especially looking forward to this year's Thunder in the Valley and PolkaFest events. Lisa Rager, executive director of the Bureau, said that the bureau is using its funds to bring growth to Cambria County. She said even though tourism is not the most visible sign of economic growth, it brings jobs and new customers to the county. "The dollars spent by visitors to Cambria County, which totaled $291.5 million in 2011, are spent on transportation, recreation, retail, food and beverage and lodging," Rager said.

Cosby is known for his role on “The Bill Cosby Show,” a television sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1971, as well as his best-selling albums, books and stand-up routines. In addition to breaking television racial barriers with the show “I Spy,” Cosby became the first African American to co-star on a television series while winning three consecutive Emmys. His other awards include the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Marian Anderson Award.

State Department of Environmental Protection officials have awarded the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority a $2,616 grant. State Rep. Frank Burns said that the grant is to help Cambria County hold waste collection events. "This grant helps the county hold these collection events to help us dispose of paint products, household cleaners, pesticides and other potentially toxic items that could harm our environment if not disposed of properly," Burns said. The grant is to reimburse the authority for half of the costs of holding these collection events last year.

The home of Jeff and Wendy Konicky is once again a holiday spectacle. Synchronized Christmas-themed light-and-song shows are taking place at the Conemaugh Township, Cambria County, residence seven days a week. The displays - which are scheduled to continue through Jan. 1 - are shown 5:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday at 110 Mizel Lane, Johnstown, 15902. Viewers can park along the street and tune in to 88.5 FM to hear the music. Songs include: "Carol of the Bells" by Monique Danielle, "Let It Be Christmas" by Alan Jackson, "Wizards in Winter" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra and "Amazing Grace Techno" by Yule.

State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria/Somerset, said that Cambria County has been awarded a $36,855 grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Awarded under DEP's County Recycling Coordinator Grant Program, the funding will reimburse 50 percent of the county recycling coordinator's salary and expenses. "Cambria County has done a wonderful job of promoting recycling efforts in the community," Burns said. "This grant is a wise investment in the future of those endeavors.

Somerset County Commissioner John Vatavuk said Cambria Somerset Authority water sales have held steady this year. The authority expects to generate $944,400 in water sales in 2013, an increase of about $100,000 from two years ago. "We have a few big customers doing really well," Vatavuk said. "Hopefully we can add some more and really keep our heads well above water. " The Quemahoning and Hinckston Run reservoirs serve North American Hoganas, the Somerset County General Authority, Gautier Steel, Johnstown Wire Technologies and the Greater Johnstown Water Authority.

Ten members from the Cambria County Library's Knit Wits toured Conemaugh's Regional Intensive Care Nursery (RICN) on Oct. 15, bringing with them fall cheer in the form of 60 knitted pumpkin hats. Over the past year, the Knit Wits have donated hundreds of hats and blankets to the RICN and maternity. Pictured from left to right are Marcie Kruper, Rose Hiravi, Nancy Cable, Casey McAdams, and Kim Shearman, RN, RICN. To learn more, contact Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Volunteer Services at 814-534-3903.

Megan Facciani, President of the club: received for her Mixed Bred Adult Buck, 4 th Place Ribbon, Pure Bred Adult Buck, 5 th Place Ribbon and Rabbit Skill-a-Thon, 2 nd Place Ribbon. Reno Facciani: received for his Doe and Litter, 1 st Place Ribbon and his Lego Creation 1 st Place Ribbon. Amber Jordan, Secretary of the club: received for her Mixed Bred Adult Buck, 3 rd Place Ribbon, Mixed Bred Adult Doe, 3 rd Place Ribbon and Rabbit Skill-a-Thon, 3 rd Place Ribbon.

The second annual "Tunes for Tails" will take place on Saturday, Nov. 24 at Ace's Lounge in Cambria City. Doors open at 6 p.m. with music starting at 7. Admission is $10 with all the proceeds going to the Humane Society, specifically the fence completion. Food and a cash bar will be available at a separate cost. "We fenced in half the area behind the shelter this summer, and we plan on doing the other half in the spring," said Jen Harnett, event coordinator and a Humane Society board member.